Pacific Island of Tuvalu to ban single-use plastics as of 1st August 2019

In the Pacific Island of Tuvalu, the Director of the Department of Environment Soseala Tinilau announced in July, 2019 that as of the 1st of August, 2019 the island will ban single-use plastics. The measures are designed to help prevent and decrease the excessive plastic waste dump in the residential area of Fogafale.

According to Mr Tinilau, Tuvalu will receive funding assistance from the UK for this initiative. The island will also be hosting the Pacific Islands Forum which is pledged to be a plastic-free event with leaders such as New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern expected to attend.

The new ban includes plastic bottles under 1.5 litres, cutlery and food wrap items and will go into effect beginning of August 2019.